Cow barn gutter cleaner



Jan. 26, 1954 c. G. HoLLowAY Cow BARN GUTTER CLEANER 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Nov. 19, 1952 RVF IN VENTOR- ATTORNEYS WNSMN,

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Jan. 26, 1954 c. G. HoLLowAY COW BARN GUTTER CLEANER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 19. 1952 ATTORNEYS Jan. 26, 1954 c. G. HoLLowAY COW BARN GUTTER CLEANER 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 19. 1952 IN VENTOR TTORNE Patented Jan. 26, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE (20W BARN GUTTER CLEANER Charles G. Holloway, Elmira, N. Y.

Application November 19, 1952, Serial No. y3.2.1,410

18 Claims. (Cl. 198-224) This inventionl is a novel barn gutter cleaner, such as shown in my application for U. S. Letters Patent, Serial No. 58,539,r led November 5, 1948 (now abandoned), and the principal object thereof is to provide a power 4driven cleaner which is of novel construction, said construction being simple and having many parts constructed of plastic such as fiberglass or its equivalent, for the purpose of meeting sanitation requirements.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cleaner oi the above type consisting of a longitudinally movable member disposed at one Side of the gutter, having a series of spaced paddles which are actuated in a novel manner to effect the cleaning of the entire gutter as the movable member is reciprocated.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means for reciprocating the movable member, said means being of simple and eiiicient construction and being designed to minimize wear.

A still further object of my invention is to provide novel means to slide or actuate one or more paddles into one or more gutters running parallel to each other or disposed at any angle desired.

I will explain the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several practical embodiments thereof, to enable others familiar with the art to adopt and use the same; and will summarize in the claims the novel features of constructions, and novel combinations of parts, for which protection is desired.

In seiddrawines;

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a gutter showing my novel cleaner arranged therein and showing the paddles in various positions.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the movable member, and the member reciprocating means.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged section on the line SW3, Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational View of the parts shown in Fig. 3, showing the slide bar ofthe mov-.- able member in its mid-position.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the paddle slide, detached, showing the location of the pins.

Fig. 6 is an end view of the slide shown in Fig. 5.

Fig, 'I is a top View of a paddle arm, detached.

Fig. 8 is an elevation o; the paddle arm shown inFig. 7. Y

Fig. 9 is a iront elevation of one section of .the paddle arm bearing, detached.

Fig. 1Q is a top planV View of the bearingse.- tion shown in Fig. 9. Y

Fig. 11 is an end view o f the bearing SQtiOll shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is an end elevation of one formY of paddle.

Fig. 13 is an elevation of the rack bar for ree ciprocating the movable member.

Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the parts. `Shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a side elevation of the reciprocating rod.

Fig. 16 is an end elevational View of another form of paddle, detached.

Figs. 17 and 18 are enlarged sectional views illustrating the paddle movement.

Fig. 19 is a transverse section through the cas,- ing showing a hoe.

Fig. 20 is a side elevation showing a,v T-shaped paddle. n

Fig. V21 is an end elevation of the paddle shown in Fig. 20.

As shown in Fig. 1, the barn iloor A is provided,

in rear of the cattle stalls, with a depressed gutter B in the customary manner. At one end o f the gutter B is a iixed frame l which is sup.- ported above the bottom of gutter B in any desired manner, said frame l having a central depressed portion la (Fig. 3) and being enclosed at each end by caps I b for assembly purposes, the depressed portion la serving as a guide for a slidable bar 2 (Figs. 2, 3, 13 and 14), said bar 2 be* ing movable longitudinally of the gutter B, the same being reciprocated by novel means herein.- tfter set forth.

On the top of slide bar 2 are a series of rollers 3 which may be either tapered or straight, but are shown in Fig. 3 as being tapered, the saine being mounted upon stub shafts d Whichy are secured in bores in any desired manner in slide bar 2, the upper ends of the stub shafts 4 being connected above the rollers 3 by a plate 5 (Figs, 13 and 14) to give rigidity to the stub shafts 4, the rollers 3 freely rotating upon the stub shafts 4, and the plate 5 ending With the first andlast stub shaft d of the series, for the purpose hereinafter set forth. i

Upon the frame l at approximately the center thereof is a box 6 (Figs. l and 3), the side plates of which embrace the sides of frame I at their lower ends, as shown more particularly in Fig. 3, box 6 carrying bearings l at its upper end for `the trunnions of lugs 8 oi 4a pivoted casting 9 which supports a housing l t ier worin gear l! (Fig, 3.)., the Worm gear being mounted upon the upper end of a shaft I2 above the casting 9, and said shaft I2 being journaled at the center of the casting S, as shown in Fig. 3. The worm housing I9 is held by brackets 44 (Fig. 4) secured by pins 44a which pass into the casting 9. Gear II is iixedly mounted by means of key I3 or the like for rotation with the shaft I2. By the above construction the shaft I2 may pivot on a horizontal axis with respect to the walls of box 6. The lower end of shaft I2 carries a sliding bearing I4 engaging an larcuate guide I5 secured within box 6 in any desired manner.

The lower end of the shaft I2 carries a star wheel I6 (Fig. 3) which extends down into the open upper end of frame I and lies'to Yone side or the other of the series of rollers 3 as shown in Fig. 3, so that as shaft l2 is rotated byrotation of the worm gear I I, slide bar 2 will be moved in one direction or the other. Worm gear Ii is driven by means of a worm I1 housed within an offset portion Illa of cover I6 (Fig. l), said worm `i1 being mounted Vupon a shaft I8 and carrying `a sprocket or pulley I3 or the like which is driven by a belt or chain 20 which runs around a sprocket or pulley 2I on the shaft 22 of a power unit 23 that is activated by electricity, air, steam, gasoline or the like, the shaft 22 of the unit rotating constantly in one direction when activated. When the star wheel I6 reaches the roller 3 at either end of the series, the star wheel will pivot around the outer side of such roller and the shaft I2 Vwill swing to bring the star wheel I6 on the other side of the series of rollers 3 and thereby automatically move the slide bar 2 in the opposite direction. By the above construction, a continuous reciprocating motion of the slide bar 2 is effected in a simple, novel manner.

Connected to one end of slide bar 2 is a bar 24 (Fig; 2) extending through the outer'end of frame I, same being slidable therein. Belowthe frame I in the bottom of the trough B is a movable composite casing formed in sections, the same comprisingl a casing 25 of U-shaped cross-section mounted in an outer casing 26 but being slidable therein, the casing 25 being actuated by a bar 21 extending througha block 28 in the end of the casing 26, rods 24 and y2I being connected by a strap 29 secured thereon by bolts and nuts 36 so as to cause the bars 24 and 21 to move in unison. The inner end of bar 21 carries a head 3l which is normally spaced from the block 26 so as t0 permit a dwell between movement of the bar 21 and the casing 26 underconditions hereinafter explained.

The function of the member 25 will be hereinafter explained.

Within the outer casing 26 are a series of spaced members 25 identical with the above mentioned number 25, and between the spaced members 25 are bars 32 within the casing 25 having heads 33on their ends receiving pins 34 which extend through the members 25 and the heads 33 of the bars 32, the said pins 34 being insert- '26 'opposite the centers of each of the members y 25 is provided with a 'rectangular opening across which the opposed halves of a socket 35 (Figs. 1, i7 and 18) are secured by bolts passing through holes therein, the two sections 35 together forming a socket for a cylindrical bearing 35 (Figs. '7 and 8) which is carried at the inner end of each paddle arm 31. On each arm is mounted a paddie (Fig. 12) having an upper flange 33e and having an offset lower portion 38a, in the direction of iiange 38e for the purpose of giving 4a downward pressure to the paddle; the portion being bent at 38h below the ange 36o and being mounted in such manner as to have constant contact with the gutter floor. In Figs. 26 and 2l a modied construction of the paddles is shown in which the paddle has a T-shaped upper end 36x, the lower edge being split as at 33g and the split portion beingV oiset as at 362 in opposite directions to make the paddle operable in both directions'of swing.

By the above construction the paddle arms 31 and the'paddles 38 are free to swing into any of the positions shown in dotted lines in Figs. 1,

, 17 and 18 or any intermediate positions, the

swinging movement of the balls 33 on the inner ends of the paddle arms 31 being limited by pairs of pins mounted in openings 40 (Fig. 5) through the members 25. An alternate construction is shown in Figs. 1'1 and 18 in which spaced pairs of ribs 4I replace the pins and embrace the heads For wearing purposes for gutters made of other material than concrete a shoe 45 is provided on the bottom of the casing 26 to give longer wear (Fig. 19).

As shown in Figs. 1, 17 and 18 the outer casing 26 is provided with a series of pins 42 which extend downwardly into slots 43 in the top and bottom of the members 25 so that the members 25 and 32 may have a limited movement Within the outer member 26 for the purpose hereinafter described. The outer member also carries coupling bearings 26d for the purpose of connecting one section to another, also for strengthening the rods 32 preventing same from buckling.

By the above construction, as the members 25 and 26 are shifted by the rod 21 the outer casing 26 will move in both directions the full length of rack 2. While initially starting from either end, the inner member is moved an amount equal to the extent of slots 43 (Figs. 5, 1'1, and 18) or the distance between the head 3I and the bearing block 28 (Fig. 2). This initial movement of the members 25 and 32 which are connected together is for the purpose of first openingor closing the paddles before the paddles are moved longitudinally of the trough.

)It is obvious that in Fig. 1 the paddles shown in full lines are in their mid positions, the pins 42 being shown centrally of the slots 43. If the assembly 25, 26 and 32 (Figs. 11 and 18) is moved to the right in Fig. 1, the pins 42 will engage the left-hand end of the slots 43, this movement being permitted by the space between the head 3I and the bearing block 28. When reaching such position, the heads 38 on arms 31 will have engaged the left-hand pin in hole 40 of member 25 and will initially shift the paddle into the position in which it is disposed transversely of the trench, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. l before the casing 26 itself starts to move towards the right. Thus, the paddle 38 will be in the proper scraping position before the casing 26 is `actually moved to the right. When the star wheel reaches the opposite 'end of the rack teeth and rolls around said end, rod 24 will then start shifting asomo@ to the left before the member 26 starts to move. Thus, the bladesY 38 will be shifted into position substantially parallel' with the gutter, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, before the member 2'6 starts to shift to the left. Thus, the entire system of paddles initially is projectedv transversely of the gutter and simultaneously shifted substantially parallel with the gutter between 'each move.- ment of the rod 24 to scrape the refuse along the gutter, by a series of intermittent steps, from one end of theV gutter to the other. y

I do not limit my invention to thefexact forms shown in the drawings, for obviously changes may be made therein within the scope ofthe claims.

1. A gutter cleaner, comprising an elongated outer casing axially slidably mounted at one, side of a gutter and having one end closed; aseries of spaced inner casings connected `together and axially movably mounted within the outer casing; a rod extending through the closed end and having a head on its inner end connected with the series of inner casings, said head being normally spaced from the closed end; said rod having a strap on its outer end adapted to engage said rod; means for reciprocating said rod; said outer casing having openings in its outer face opposite the respective inner casings; bearings removably secured across said openings; arms pivoted in said bearings and adapted in one position to extend Iacross said gutter; paddles carried by the respective arms; and heads on the inner ends of said arms engaging pairs of abutments within the inner casings respectively, whereby as the rod is moved in one direction the arms will be initially pivoted into positions substantially normal to the outer casing before the outer casing is moved, and as the rod is moved in the opposite direction the arms will be initially simultaneously pivoted into positions substantially parallel With the outer casing before the outer casing is moved.

2. In a cleaner as set forth in claim l, said inner casings comprising U-shaped members; bars between adjacent inner casings having heads entering said inner casings; and pins transxing the inner casings and bar heads to lock the parts together.

3. In a cleanei' as set forth in claim l, said inner casings comprising U-shaped members; bars between adjacent inner casings having heads entering said inner casings; and pins transiixing the inner casings and bar heads to lock the parts together; and said abutments comprising spaced pairs of pins on said inner casings straddling the heads of said arms.

4. In a cleaner as set forth in claim 1, said inner casings comprising U-shaped members; bars between adjacent inner casings having heads entering said inner casings; and pins transfixing the inner casings and bar heads to look the parts together; and said abutments comprising spaced pairs of pins within said inner casings straddling the heads of said arms.

5. In a cleaner as set forth in claim 1, each paddle comprising a plate having a flange at its upper end and having its lower end offset in the direction of said flange, whereby the scraped material will exert a downward force on the gutter floor.

6. In a cleaner as set forth in claim l, each paddle comprising a plate having a T-shaped upper end, the lower end of the plate beingk vertically split and the split portion being offset in opposite directions, whereby the scraped ma- 6 terial will exert adownward force on the gutter floor.

n 7. In a cleanerA asy set-forth in claim l, said rod reciprocating means comprising a bar slid'able in guides in a fixed' frame disposed above the outer casing and parallel-therewith; a second rod secured to the slidable bar and extending through the -xedframe; means connecting the first and second rods together for unitary movement; and means for reciprocatingv the slidable bar.

8. In a cleaner asset forth lin claim 7, said reciproca-ti'ng means comprising a series of spaced rollers jour-naled on the top of said slidablel bar; a casing above andv securedl to said frame; a

' casting'pivotedon a horizontal axis in said cas-- ing; a shaft journaled in said casting; a star wheel at the lower end of said shaft adapted to engage either side of the rollers, said star wheel pivoting around the end rollersr and engagingfthe series of rollers from the opposite side of the slidable bar whenever the star wheel engages end rollers; and means for'rotatingsaid shaft.

9. In a cleaner as set forth. in claim 8, said rotating means comprising a Worm gear on said shaft; a cover plate carried by said casting and overlying the Worm gear; and a: power driven worm journaled in bearings inr said cover plate and meshing with said worm gear.

10. A gutter cleaner ofthe character described, comprising an elongated outer casing'axially slidably mounted at one side of said gutter; a series'Vv of spaced inner casings connectedtogether and axially movably mounted within the outer casing; a rod extending through the outer casing; means forreciprocating the said rod; a series of pins on the outerr casing engaging elongated slots in the inner casings to limit the movement of the inner casings within the outer casing as the rod is reciprocated; said outer casing having openings in its outer face opposite the respective inner casings; bearings removably secured across said openings; arms pivoted in said bearings and adapted in one position to extend across saidv gutter; paddles carried by the respective arms; and heads on the inner ends of said arms engaging pairs of abutments within the inner casings respectively disposed adjacent the bearings, whereby as the rod is moved in one direction the arms will be initially pivoted into positions substantially normal to the outer casing before the outer casing is moved, and as the rod is moved in the opposite direction the arms will be initially simultaneously pivoted into positions substantially parallel with the outer casing before the outer casing is moved.

11. In a cleaner as set forth in claim 10, said inner casings comprising U -shaped members having the openings lbetween their legs facing the bearings; bars between adjacent inner casings having heads entering. said inner casings; and pins transiixing the inner casings and bar heads to lock the parts together; said outer casing having other openings therein giving access to said pins.

12. In a cleaner as set forth in claim 10, said inner casings comprising U-shaped members having the openings between their legs facing the bearings; bars between adjacent inner casings having heads entering said inner casings; and pins transiixing the inner casings and bar heads to lock the parts together; said outer casing having other openings therein giving access to said pins; and said abutments comprising spaced pairs of pins extending through one leg of said inner casings straddling the heads of said arms.

13. In a cleaner as set forth in claim 10, said inner casings comprising U-shaped members having the openings between the legs facing their bearings; bars between adjacent inner casings having heads entering said inner casings; `and pins transxing the inner casings and bar `heads to lock the parts together; said outer casing having other openings therein giving access to said pins; and said abutments comprising spaced pairs of pins within said inner casings straddling the heads of said arms. n 14. In a cleaner as set forth in claim 10, each paddle comprising a plate having a flange at its upper end and having its lower end offset in the direction of said flange whereby the scraped material will exert a downward force on the gutter floor. i Y

15. In a lcleaner as set forth in claim 10, each paddle comprising a plate having a T-shaped upper end, the lower end of the plate being vertically split Vand the split portion being offset in opposite directions whereby the scraped material will exert a downward force on the gutter floor.

.16. In a cleaner as set forth in claim 10, said rod reciprocating means comprising a bar slidable in guides in a fixed frame disposed above 'the outer casing and parallel therewith; a second rod secured to the slidable bar and extending through the xed frame; means Aconnecting the rst and second rods together for unitary movement; and means'for reciprocating the slidable bar. Y Y v` Y 17. In a cleaner as set forth in claim 16, said reciprocating means comprising a series of spaced rollers journaled on the top of said slidable bar; a casing above and secured to said frame; a casting pivoted on a horizontal axis in said casing; a shaft journaled in said casting; a star wheel at the lower end of said shaft and adapted to engage either side of the rollers, said star wheel pivoting around the end rollers and engaging the series of rollers from the opposite side of the slidable bar whenever the star wheel engages said` end rollers; and means for rotating said shaft.

18. In a cleaner as set forth in claim 1'7, said rotating means comprising a worm gear on said shaft; a cover plate carried by said casting and overlyingthe worm gear; and a powerdriven wormjournaled in bearings in said cover plate and meshing with said wormr gear.

CHARLES G. HOLLOWAY.

' References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES 'PATENTS 

